What are Roman Numerals?
Roman Numerals are used to express numbers using capital letters. Here are the 7 letters used.
- I-1
- V-5
- X-10
- L-50
- C-100
- D-500
- M-1000
How do Roman Numerals Work?
*Values greater than or equal to the number to there right are simply added on.
|
III=(1)+(1)+(1)
|
IX=(10)+(1)+(1)
|
Note: It is never necessary to place more than 3 identical capital letter next to one
another. When writing Roman Numerals, it is possible to write 4 as IIII.
However, because there are 4 identical capital letters, it is both easier and
more appropriate to write 4 as IV. Here is how it works. |
*Values smaller than the number to there right are subtracted from that (larger)
number.
|
IV=(5)-(1)
|
IX=(10)-(1)
|
IV includes the Roman numeral symbols of (1) and (5). However, because there is an I before
the V it is subtracted. 5-1=4. Likewise with IX, an I (1) is to the left of the X (10), therefore it is subtracted to equal 9.
|
Roman Numerals 1-10:
| I |
II |
III |
IV |
VI |
VII |
VIII |
IX |
X |
More Information:
Last Update: 12/4/2004
